Although the UK leaves the EU on 31 January, the date only marks the first stage of Brexit. With a lot of negotiating still to do there will be a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU plan additional arrangements. 

During this transition period, there will be no changes for anyone travelling to the European Union after Brexit on 31 January.

Any rules on passport validity, European Health Care Insurance Card (EHIC) healthcare and permits for driving abroad remain unchanged until at least the end of the transition period in December. 

Driving licence rules remain the same until at least 31 December 2020. After this point Britons will have to buy a £5.50 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. You may need more than one type of IDP if you are travelling through more than one country. In the advent of a No Deal Brexit, motorists were warned they would require a GB sticker on their vehicle. This won't be neccesary during the transition period, but may be a requirement in 2021.

Ferry travel and travel on Eurotunnel remain unaffected during the transition period and will run as normal in 2021.

UK EHIC cards are still valid throughout 2020. You can stil renew and apply for a new EHIC cardthrough the NHS EHIC website.

From 1 January 2021 your EHIC may not be valid so it is particularly important you get travel insurance with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This is because the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not.

No changes to passports are expected until at least 31 December 2020, though you may need to renew your British passport earlier if you are travelling from 1 January 2021 as your passport should be valid for six months at time of travel and be less than ten years old.

If you do not renew your passport, you may be unable to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The rules on taking pets abroad will remain the same, with no changes expected before the end of 2020.

From 1 January 2021 the existing pet passport scheme will not be valid. Instead, you'll need to follow a different process. Current Government advice suggests you contact your vet at least four months before travelling for the latest information.

From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway will end. Check with your phone operator to find out any roaming charges you might get from 1 January 2021.

A new law will offer protection against mobile charges above £45 without you knowing. Once you reach £45 you will need to opt in to spend more so that you can continue using the internet while abroad. Your phone operator will tell you how to do this.

More information on European travel in 2020 and beyond can be found on the Government website.